MANILA, Philippines – The innovation of technology and the Internet has paved the way for equal access to information regardless of social status.

Google Philippines Marketing Head Ryan Morales said that lines have become blurred due to the widespread use of the internet.

“It’s very leveling, meaning people of all sorts of demographics and socio-economic status have the same access to information. A bank teller and a taxi driver have the same access to information as the president of the Philippines,” he said.

“The great thing about all of these happening is it’s very democratic”

Out of the 33 million Filipinos online, 55 % are aged 18 – 24 years old. According to Morales, this is proof of how active and informed the next generation of the Filipino population is.

“These are the leaders of tomorrow. They spend less time on traditional media and more on the Internet. That’s how they get their information,” he said.

Morales said that when the debate over the Reproductive Health bill was at its peak, it was the one of the most searched topics in the country on Google. He added that Filipinos were really determined to get as much information on the issue.

He also stressed the “incredible and undeniable” effect of technology and its evolution throughout the years. It can be a platform for information dissemination and access, which can be beneficial when used properly.

“The more information people have, the more power they have,” Morales said. “The more power they have, the more they can build the nation.” – Rappler.com